Industry Forum: a Researcher Perspective

The UKRI Mental Health Platform Industry Alliance Forum, held in partnership with DATAMIND, and the Medicines Discovery Catapult, took place on May 6th, 2025, in London - bringing together researchers, industry leaders, individuals with lived experience of severe mental illness, and members from NIHR and the Office of Life Sciences.

The event focused on tackling challenges in mental health research for industry with discussions aimed at finding solutions.

Marcos is a researcher who attended the event, and shares some of his reflections from the day.

What Genuine Collaboration in Mental Health Really Looks Like

I recently took part in the Industry Alliance Forum, a full-day event held in partnership with the UKRI Mental Health Platform (MHP), DATAMIND and the Medicines Discovery Catapult. It brought together researchers, industry partners, and people with lived experience of severe mental illness to explore how we can work together more effectively. The day wasn’t just about presentations - it created opportunity for real conversations, a shared sense of purpose, and the kind of openness that’s often missing in this space.

A Shift in Narrative

One of the strongest takeaways for me was the shift in how industry was represented - and how it showed up. While pharmaceutical companies are commercial by nature, it was clear that many people in the room were deeply motivated to help. 

Profit and purpose don’t have to be opposites. When aligned responsibly, they can drive meaningful innovation in mental health.

The range of organisations was also encouraging - from major players like Johnson & Johnson to smaller teams, including some led by people from academic backgrounds. This mix challenged the usual assumptions about industry versus academia. What I saw instead was shared intent: people coming together to break down barriers and move things forward.

Why I Took Part

I went because mental health matters. It’s underfunded, often overlooked, and incredibly complex. Compared to other areas like cancer, it still doesn’t receive the attention or investment it deserves. I wanted to be part of something that could help change that - even in a small way.

Final Thoughts

What set this forum apart wasn’t just who was in the room - it was how people showed up. There was a real sense of momentum, of people wanting to move past barriers and start building solutions together. That gives me hope. 

We need more spaces like this - where industry, academia, and people with lived experience can collaborate with honesty, clarity, and intent. If we keep showing up, not just to talk but to act, real change becomes not just possible - but inevitable.